The governor referred to Anne Arundel County high school student Jack Andraka, who last year won a $75,000 prize for developing a test for pancreatic cancer. Download This File

One of those who watched the governor's speech was Sister Helen Prejean, who was the author of the book "Dead Man Walking" which inspired an Oscar winning movie. She is a noted anti-death penalty activist. Download This File

Gov. Martin O'Malley is calling on lawmakers to take up the tough challenge of addressing transportation funding this session.

O'Malley is giving his seventh State of the State speech of his administration on Wednesday.

The Democratic governor also is touting investments in his budget to improve public education and build new schools. The governor's budget proposal includes $336 million for school construction.

O'Malley also says Maryland has done a good job getting students to college, but he says the state needs to do more to get them through.

O'Malley also is pushing for his proposal to help develop offshore wind energy. The measure, which has failed to pass in the last two years, could raise residents' electric bills by $1.50 a month.

Last year the governor had a proposal to phase in the sales tax on gasoline.

The proposal went nowhere.

There are several ideas on transportation funding floating around Annapolis.

The Democratic governor also is touting investments in his budget to improve public education and build new schools. The governor's budget proposal includes $336 million for school construction.

O'Malley also said Maryland has done a good job getting students to college, but said the state needs to do more to get them through.

O'Malley also pushed for his proposal to help develop offshore wind energy. The measure, which has failed to pass in the last two years, could raise residents' electric bills by $1.50 a month.

O'Malley also called on lawmakers to repeal Maryland's death penalty, and approve his bills to ban assault weapons and require a license for all weapons except for hunting rifles.